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List of Paramagnetic Atoms

By Jeva Anand; Updated April 24, 2017

Paramagnetic atoms become magnetic when they are exposed to an external magnetic field. Unlike ferromagnetic atoms (iron, nickel and cobalt), they do not keep their magnetic qualities outside that magnetic field. Their magnetic qualities are weaker than ferromagnets, and they cannot be magnetized permanently.

Uranium

Uranium is a heavy metal that is slightly softer than steel. It is silvery white in color. Water will corrode uranium. Uranium is used as nuclear fuel.

Platinum

Platinum is a silvery white metal used for jewelry. It also has industrial and medical applications. For example, it is used for certain types of wiring and in dentistry. Platinum doesn't tarnish when exposed to air.

Tungsten

Tungsten is also called wolfram. It is a grayish metal. Its alloys are used in lighting and in television tubes. Tungsten steel is widely used in mining.

Cesium

Cesium is a highly alkaline metal, silvery white in color. It is used in electron tubes, photoelectric cells and atomic clocks.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery white metal. It has many industrial applications, from kitchen utensils to construction.

Lithium

Lithium is a rare, silvery metal. It does not occur freely in nature. Lithium is used as an alloying agent that can be found in batteries. Lithium carbide has medical applications in the treatment of bipolar disease.

Magnesium

A very lightweight metal, magnesium is silvery white in color. It is used in flash photography, pyrotechnics, welding and missile construction.

Sodium

Sodium is a silvery white metal. It is so lightweight that it floats on water. It is highly reactive and may spontaneously ignite on water. Sodium is used to purify molten metals.

Oxygen

Oxygen is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas. We need it to survive. Hospitals use bottled oxygen for respiratory care.

About the Author

Jeva Anand began writing in 1988. He has worked as an educator, media-relations coordinator and copywriter, and collaborated with regional and national media such as "Indian Country Today." Anand holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of South Dakota. He currently works as a writer and translator.